Best Romance Tropes, According to Me

**Tropes and Things I Love in Books**

When it comes to romance novels, there are certain tropes and elements that make a book truly special for me. In this article, I'll be sharing some of my favorite tropes and things that I love to see in romance books.

**Real-Life Issues with Heroes and Heroines**

One trope that I think is really nice to see in romance novels is when the hero and heroine have real-life issues that they're struggling with. This can include mental health struggles, trauma, or other personal demons that make them feel more relatable and human. I've read books that have done a great job of incorporating these types of issues into their stories, and it makes the hero feel even more real to me. For example, in "Twice Shy" by Sarah Hogle, the hero has a debilitating anxiety, and it felt so relatable to see someone who deals with anxiety in a realistic way. I also appreciate when the author handles these types of issues sensitively and realistically, without making it feel like the book is just about the character's mental health struggles.

**Subtle Jealousy**

Another trope that I'm really into is subtle jealousy. I've always been a bit skeptical of over-the-top, controlling heroes who are grumpy and can't spend time around other men. But when I see subtle jealousy in a book, where it's clear that the hero is interested in the heroine but isn't being overt about it, it's really appealing to me. In "Just My Type" by Fallon Ballard, I loved how the author handled this trope. The hero has subtle jealousy towards his girlfriend's friends, and it's not until later on that we realize just how much he was affected by their interactions. It was a subtle sign of his interest in them, but also a reminder that he wasn't controlling or possessive like some other heroes I've read about.

**Romantic Companionship**

Finally, there's one trope that I think is really romantic and appealing: the idea of sleeping next to someone because it's comforting. This can be a hero who has insomnia or nightmares due to trauma, and only finds comfort in having the heroine by his side. I love seeing this type of trope develop into something more in a book - it's like they're taking the idea of being close together but not necessarily intimate, and turning it into a romantic relationship. In my opinion, there's something really special about sharing a bed with someone who makes you feel safe and comfortable.

**Guiding Principles for Romance**

So what are some guiding principles that I look for when reading romance novels? Well, first and foremost, I love to see subtlety over overtness. If a hero or heroine is being controlling or possessive, it's usually a turn-off for me. Instead, I prefer books that show characters with flaws and imperfections, but also with a deep emotional connection to each other. I'm also drawn to romance novels that explore real-life issues in a realistic way - whether it's mental health struggles, trauma, or other personal demons.

**A Note on Personal Taste**

I have to admit that some of these tropes may not be for everyone, and that's okay! Romance is a highly subjective genre, and what one person loves about a book, another person might hate. But for me, these are the types of things that make a romance novel special - real-life issues with heroes and heroines, subtle jealousy, romantic companionship, and a focus on subtlety over overtness.

**Getting to Know Me**

If you're watching my videos regularly, I'm sure you've noticed that I can be a bit picky about the types of books I review. But I think this is because I have high standards when it comes to romance novels - I want to see characters who feel real and relatable, and stories that explore complex emotions and relationships in a realistic way. If you're looking for a guide on what makes a good romance novel for me, I hope this article has given you some insight into my tastes. Let me know in the comments below if you have any favorite tropes or books that you think fit these principles - I'd love to hear about them!